Session #34:
The Intersection of Tribal, State, and Federal Law
April 14, 2026
12 – 1 p.m.
Virtual Zoom Presentation
Free – online Zoom
Michigan is home to 12 federally recognized American Indian Tribes, the largest number of Tribes east of the Mississippi River. The state also reflects the lasting impact of federal boarding school policies and other government actions meant to "Kill the Indian, Save the Man" that separated American Indian children from their families, Tribal Nations, and homelands in an effort to erase Indigenous identity and culture. Michigan remains an example of how American Indians continue to struggle in restoring Traditional Indigenous Ways of Life.
This webinar will provide an introductory overview of that history and its continuing legal and community impact. It will examine how Tribal Nations in Michigan continue to protect Tribal sovereignty, preserve traditional Indigenous ways of life, and exercise criminal jurisdiction in fulfillment the Sacred Duty of Tribal Nations to safeguard Tribal citizens, women, children, and relatives.
This session will also serve as the foundation for future attorney trainings focused on the needs of Tribal citizens in state court, Tribal Court, and matters involving the intersection of state and Tribal justice systems.
Presenter:
- Hon. Melissa L. Pope, Chief Judge, Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi Tribal Court
Moderator:
- John Sier, Chair, Detroit Bar Foundation Access to Justice Committee
Attend and receive a Certificate of Completion. Approved for State Bar of Michigan Pro Bono Honor Roll hours. Training hours can be put toward the Detroit Bar Pro Bono award with recognition at the annual Archer Award Gala in November. For full details, please visit https://www.detroitlawyer.org/probonoaward/
For questions, contact Sheena Law-Killinger at slawkillinger@detroitlawyer.org.
Brought to you by:
DETROIT BAR PRO BONO/ACCESS TO
JUSTICE COMMITTEE
The information provided in this programming does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available are for general informational purposes only.